Green Hydrogen

Green Hydrogen : Recently scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) in Bengaluru, under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have built a next-generation photo electrochemical device that generates green hydrogen by splitting water molecules using sunlight and earth-abundant materials.

• About Photo Electrochemical Device : That converts light energy, typically solar energy, into chemical or electrical energy.

o Working: Uses a silicon-based photoanode with a n-i-p heterojunction structure (n-type TiO₂, intrinsic Si, p-type NiO). This design improves light absorption, charge transfer, and reduces energy loss.

o Technology Used: Built using magnetron sputtering, a reliable and industry-ready method for coating materials. It uses earth-abundant and low-cost materials.

o Performance: Achieves 980 mV surface photo-voltage and 0.11 V onset potential.

ü High efficiency, low cost, long-lasting, and solar-powered.

ü Can help power homes, vehicles, and industries with clean hydrogen energy.